Paul & Lauren’s Travels

Just when we thought that winter, the city and all that greyness was too much, spring break in the mountains of Bologna was able to turn everything around. We camped at a farm, in the mountains near Sasso Marconi, where we could camp for free in return for eating at their restaurant or purchasing their produce. Some days we rested, others we drove through Emilia Romagna enjoying the sights of beautiful, old city centres and visiting specialty food producers of the region.

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Like all great, traditional food products from Emilia Romagna, Parma ham is a simple product that has been prepared masterfully and slowly. We took a lead from our friend Alfonso and went for a drive into the hills of Parma in search of the secrets behind the most famous of Parma hams, Prosciutto. As it turned out, we were given a personal tour of the multi-million factory by the owner and founder himself.

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During Lauren’s first visit to Italy I received a call from her, she was all excited about her visit to a Balsamic vinegar producer and I just couldn’t understand why … until she came home with the goods! It turns out that the Balsamic vinegar I’d grown accustomed was a poor cousin to a much larger, and more exquisite, family tree. Thick, rich, sweet and complex, the real Balsamico is aged up to 25 years and is practically worth it’s weight in gold.

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We’re all familiar with the bile-like aroma that eminated from a white powder some adult convinced us tasted much better than it smelt, as we dusted it over our spag-bol as a child; I’m talking about Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese, as we know it, is to Parmigiano Reggiano as instant coffee is to freshly brewed espresso; mass production to craftsmanship. Allow me to introduce Parmigiano Reggiano. 

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The highlight of our late afternoon tour was to see The Vatican and the Basilica. It really was spectacular (seems to be quite a trend for this trip).

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What a better way to see Rome than to take the tour bus in the evening.  Equipped with the audio guide it was a great way to see Rome.  It was even less crowded and cooler at this time of the afternoon.  We could just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights.

Seeing the Colosseum was a great highlight for us.  After watching numerous history documentaries, the real thing did not disappoint.  It was amazing to see.   You could easily imagine what It must have been like as a spectator, a gladiator or a person condemned to death.  It was a spectacular place to be.

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When we traveled around Italy, people recomended us to try the steak in Florence.  It was truly and amazing experience.  The steak was dry aged.  At the restaurant they brought out a whole side of steak and placed it on a huge butchers wooden block.   They cut a piece off each end and asked us which we would like.  They then grilled the steak over hot coals.  The waiter cut the 900g steak and served Paul and I a piece each.  it was a sublime experience.

The town of Florence was beautiful by day and spectacular by night.  We enjoyed walking around the city.   Seeing churches, bridges and of course the statue of David.

Our favourite restaurant and dinner haunt for our time in Bologna.  Fab Pasta and amazing dishes.  A particualr highlight for us was the last night in Bologna.  We had Sea Bream (deboned by our faithful waiter Ivan and his brother John-Paul).  It was truly an enlightened experience.  It cured the seafood drought we have had for one year.  You might say that we were quite content.